Be wary of triggering buried weak layers in rocky or wind loaded features where the snowpack varies from thick to to thin. Check out the new Forecasters' Blog for more details on managing our challenging snowpack.
Expect southerly winds to form new wind slabs in lee terrain features, on north, west and east facing slopes. Avalanches triggered in wind-loaded terrain have the potential to step down to deeper weak layers, creating larger than expected avalanches.
A weak layer of faceted grains sits near the base of the snowpack. The consequence of triggering this layer is high. Riders are most likely to trigger it where the snowpack is relatively shallow, such as on rocky and wind-affected slopes.
No recent avalanche activity has been reported in the region. However, there have been several recent reports of large human-triggered avalanches in neighboring regions with a similar snowpack structure.
Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
A dusting of new snow falls over a well-settled upper snowpack. A small layer of surface hoar, rime crust or sun crust may be found near the surface. Southerly winds are redistributing surface snow into wind loaded features at upper elevations. New wind slabs may sit over the layer of surface hoar and/or crust.
The mid snowpack consists of settling snow and several crusts that may be breaking down. A layer of large and weak facets sits in the bottom of the snowpack, buried in November. This layer is concerning, but harder to trigger based on its depth.
Snowpack depth is roughly 150 cm at treeline. This year's snowpack is weaker than usual, as described in our Forecasters' blog.
Sunday night
Up to 5 cm new snow. Moderate southerly wind easing by morning. Alpine low of -6 °C. Freezing level 500 m.
Monday
Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Light to moderate southerly wind. Alpine high of -3 °C. Freezing level 500-800 m.
Tuesday
Skies clearing into the afternoon. Light southerly winds. Alpine highs of -4 °C. Freezing level 500-800 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Light to moderate southerly winds. Alpine high of -5 °C. Freezing level 500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
